LAKE POWELL PACKING CHECKLIST
A season-aware packing list you can check off — water gear, sun and heat, hydration, houseboat and camping essentials. Saves in your browser.
Essentials
0/7Water Recreation
0/7Boating & Houseboat
0/7Sun & Heat
0/7Hydration & Food
0/5Camping & Shade
0/7Electronics & Extras
0/4Safety & Tours
0/6This is a general guide for a high-desert lake with intense sun, sudden wind, and big day-to-night temperature swings. Conditions, water levels, and tour rules change — always check the current forecast, flash flood potential, wind advisories, and marina or tour requirements at nps.gov/glca before your trip.
Lake Powell Packing FAQ
What should I pack for a Lake Powell trip?
Pack for water recreation in an intense high-desert climate: Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone, swimwear, water shoes, dry bags, towels, sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, UPF sun shirts, and polarized sunglasses. Bring far more water than you think you need (a gallon per person per day), a cooler with plenty of ice, and your own shade. If you are houseboating, add bedding, spices, and soft duffel bags; if you are camping at Lone Rock, bring sand stakes and a canopy. Use the interactive checklist above to tailor the list to your season.
What should I wear at Lake Powell in summer?
In summer, wear lightweight, light-colored, quick-dry clothing, a UPF sun shirt or rash guard, a wide-brim hat, and polarized sunglasses. Summer temperatures routinely top 100°F with strong reflection off the water, so reapply reef-safe sunscreen every couple of hours, carry at least a gallon of water per person per day, and pack extra ice — it melts fast. A cooling gaiter or misting bottle helps on long boat days.
What do I need for an Antelope Canyon tour?
Antelope Canyon sits on Navajo land and can only be visited with an authorized Navajo-guided tour, so book in advance. Wear closed-toe shoes for the soft, sandy floor and bring sunscreen. Bags, purses, fanny packs, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the slot canyon, though handheld photos are encouraged. Always check the flash flood forecast — slot canyons can flood from storms miles away.
What should I bring camping at Lone Rock Beach?
Lone Rock is primitive beachfront camping with no shade, no hookups, and no potable water, so bring your own drinking water, a canopy or large umbrella for shade, and food. Regular tent stakes won't hold in sand — pack sand stakes or use a 'dead man' anchor. Add a portable toilet or WAG bags, heavy-duty trash bags to pack everything out, and remember that AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended since vehicles can get stuck in the sand.